If you’re craving a cozy yet zesty weeknight dinner that hits all the right notes, the Chicken, Rice, and Queso Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This one-pan wonder brings together tender pieces of seasoned chicken, fluffy rice infused with tomato and chilies, and a luscious layer of creamy queso that melds every flavor perfectly. It’s comfort food with a fun southwestern kick, ready in just 30 minutes and designed to make your dinner table burst with boldness and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about the simplicity and balance of each ingredient. Every component plays a key role in building the rich flavor, creamy texture, and inviting color that make this skillet so special.
- Chicken breast, diced: Tender bites that soak up all the spices beautifully.
- Butter: Adds richness and a golden sear to the chicken.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle pungent depth.
- Cayenne pepper: For just the right touch of heat.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy aroma that’s essential to southwestern dishes.
- Dried cilantro: Adds a mellow herbaceous note without overpowering.
- Chili powder: Lends smoky complexity and a gentle spice.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with vibrant, savory goodness.
- Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies): Brings acidity and a mild chili bite.
- Tomato sauce: Offers a velvety texture and bright tomato flavor.
- Chicken broth: Helps cook the rice while adding depth and moisture.
- Long grain white rice (rinsed): The fluffy bed that absorbs all those amazing flavors.
- Olive oil: Used to toast the rice, adding a subtle nuttiness.
- White queso cheese dip: The creamy magic that ties everything together.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the whole dish.
How to Make Chicken, Rice, and Queso Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful has that tender, juicy chicken you want. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, cayenne, cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. Sauté until the chicken is nearly cooked through, letting the spices toast and flavor the meat deeply.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Push the seasoned chicken to one side of the skillet. Drizzle in olive oil and add the rinsed long grain white rice to the center. Toast the rice for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. This step is a game changer—it adds a subtle nuttiness that makes the texture pop in the final dish.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Mix in the minced garlic, followed by Rotel, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring the rice, chicken, and liquids mingle well. The tomatoes with chilies contribute an irresistible tang and slight heat, while the broth helps bring it all together.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Once the mixture starts bubbling, cover your skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs all those gorgeous flavors, becoming tender and fluffy. Resist the urge to peek too often, as the steam is what cooks the rice evenly.
Step 5: Stir in the Queso
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the creamy white queso cheese dip. This final touch transforms the dish, wrapping everything in a velvety, cheesy hug that’s utterly comforting and delicious.
How to Serve Chicken, Rice, and Queso Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds more than just color—it gives a bright, herbal lift that contrasts beautifully with the rich queso and spicy chicken. For some extra flair, consider a squeeze of lime or a few sliced jalapeños if you like things hotter.
Side Dishes
Serve this skillet with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. Mexican street corn or a simple avocado and tomato salad also make fantastic companions, adding freshness and texture without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try spooning the chicken, rice, and queso onto warm tortillas for a quick taco night. Or plate it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of tortilla chips for crunchy contrast. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is sure to impress your family or guests with its vibrant flavors and comforting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Chicken, Rice, and Queso Skillet Recipe to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to ensure even reheating. Keep in mind that the cheese sauce might thicken slightly, so reheating gently is key.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to bring back the creamy texture of the queso. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. A splash of chicken broth or a little water can help loosen the mixture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will give the dish a nuttier flavor and more chew, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook. You may need to add more broth and extend the simmering time to ensure the rice becomes tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and black beans. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying.
What type of queso cheese dip works best?
A creamy, meltable white queso dip with a mild flavor works best. Avoid overly spicy versions unless you want extra heat. Brands like Velveeta white queso or homemade queso blanco make excellent choices.
Can I add more heat to the dish?
Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper, add fresh jalapeños, or include a dash of hot sauce when stirring in the queso. Just adjust gradually to find your perfect spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
What sides pair well with this skillet meal?
Crisp salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple guacamole and chips combination complement the skillet perfectly. The freshness helps balance the rich and cheesy elements, making your meal well-rounded and delightful.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Chicken, Rice, and Queso Skillet Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together — it’s hearty, comforting, and full of vibrant southwestern flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or sharing with friends, this recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again!
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Chicken, Rice, and Queso Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Cheese and Rice recipe combines tender diced chicken breast with a flavorful blend of spices, toasted rice, and a creamy white queso cheese dip. Cooked in a single skillet, this comforting meal delivers a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Ideal for a quick 30-minute dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- Diced chicken breast – 1 lb
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper – 1/4 tsp
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Dried cilantro – 1 tsp
- Chili powder – 1 tsp
Rice and Sauce
- Minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) – 1 can (10 oz)
- Tomato sauce – 1/2 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Long grain white rice (rinsed) – 1 cup
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Finishing & Garnish
- White queso cheese dip – 1 cup
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish) – 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Season and cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add the diced chicken. Season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. Cook the chicken until it is almost fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to coat it with the spices.
- Toast the rice: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil and the rinsed rice to the empty side of the skillet. Toast the rice for a few minutes until it starts to turn translucent and lightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and liquids: Stir minced garlic into the rice and chicken mixture, then add the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the mixture: Once the mixture begins to bubble, cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Incorporate the cheese sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the white queso cheese dip until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top of the dish for a fresh herbal note. Serve the Chicken Cheese and Rice warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- If white queso cheese dip is unavailable, substitute with a creamy Monterey Jack cheese sauce or queso blanco for a similar texture and flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic from a jar for enhanced flavor.
- Make sure to cover the skillet tightly during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwest
